Ohlins 3-3 VS Harley Premium adjustable shocks
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 161
From: Booming metropolis
Just saw an HA pull up next to me at a stop light on some type of dyna. What I noticed were the bright yellow shocks on his bike with ohlin stickers. They had a canister attached to the main body of the shock at the top and toward the rear.
I could actually see his suspension moving when he move while stopped and when he took off. My bike never did that. Seemed like no action at all while sitting on it moving around. His ride looked like it would be very compliant and comfortable
This is the first set of ohlin shocks I've seen on a harley except for the bike at the ohlins booth.
I could actually see his suspension moving when he move while stopped and when he took off. My bike never did that. Seemed like no action at all while sitting on it moving around. His ride looked like it would be very compliant and comfortable
This is the first set of ohlin shocks I've seen on a harley except for the bike at the ohlins booth.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Canada, Alberta
I just put my new ohlins #2-2a shocks on and cannot believe the difference over the stock and the progressive 440 shocks I just pulled off. This is how these bikes should ride from factory! Worth every penny.....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
The fact they can be rebuilt should actually go in the positive list, instead of throwing them away and buying another pair. Its not like they need serviced every 5000 miles like changing oil. I've got about 25k on mine without rebuilding them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,889
From: PNW
You beat me to it. Maintained properly it will be years before they need a rebuild for even a rider that logs miles. However, a friend of mine who recently purchased progressives tells me they have a lifetime warranty. To me that means when they wear out, they go in the garbage and you get new ones. So I get why he and others would think that's a good thing. But for me, I see it as a disposable vs a rebuildable. And to me, something worth rebuilding is probably a better piece of equipment. In the case of Ohlins, I know I'm right from my BMW days.
I think part of what we're seeing here is a paradigm shift for Harley riders. This is a compliment by the way. As someone said earlier, in the past, what the Moco bolted on was good enough. But somewhere along the line a few guys wanted more. And to Progressive's credit, they pioneered the aftermarket shock concept for Harleys making "more" available. Now that the idea that you can have a better, safer, ride is catching on and the notion that aftermarket shocks are for racers only is fading away.
Another safety factor - ABS works much much better when the wheels are on the ground. My 11 Ultra was a horror. The suspension couldn't keep up with the ABS which was positively dangerous. My 14 SGS, with it's much improved fork and rear suspension has been perfect. No false ABS freewheeling events at all even on rough roads. Now that I have the Ohlins, I'm sure that has been taken to an even higher level.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Daytona fl
What type of bike? Did you notice any seat height different ? Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Canada, Alberta
They went on a 11 street glide. I would say they sit a bit lower then the stock shocks with the sag set. Ride is not even comparable though.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 161
From: Booming metropolis
My manual says recommended service intervals for regular street use is every 30 000 km. Im not a math wizard but that's a pisser to take them off send them in that often in my book, plus the cost of shipping and service fee . don't know how long the service life of the other shocks are though.
Last edited by hog95023; Apr 11, 2015 at 04:48 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 432
Likes: 64
From: Sedona, AZ
I have owned many different shocks and have ridden my friends Road Glide Special with the new hand adjusted shocks . The Ohlins are worlds better than the Harley shocks , with that being said those who did not have that experience I'm 100% positive your shocks were not set up or adjusted properly . Your spring rate could have been wrong , the settings off and a number of other things . The Harley shocks adjusted to your setting absolutely would out perform Ohlins set up wrong , both set up correctly Ohlins would win. Ohlins or other high end shocks are not for everyone , the more adjustments they have the better ride you can get , but also the more that can go wrong if not set up correctly. I've stated many times for most people the basic Ohlins #2 shock is the best choice , you set the sag and ride , nothing else. As people we are all different , some learn through reading , some through verbal communication and some are visual , that's why I always felt if someone made a video of install and adjustments and put it on youtube people would have less problems . Howard is a wealth of knowledge , but with that said he can be too technical when talking to him at times which could confuse some people , the written instructions actually give you more information than you need which could be confusing too. I also think many people make things tougher than they need to be when doing projects . With my Ohlins #3-#3 , #6's and JRi B's I had dialing them in was not that difficult. I set my sag and put the adjusters at the stock recommended setting. I then rode a road by my house that was a rough road , usually I found going 1-4 click in one direction or the other dialed the bike right in for a great ride. Adjusting from there to 2up was nothing more than me going 2 clicks stiffer on the sweep valve. I'm sorry those with problems couldn't get them to work because you are missing out on a great product , but sometimes going back to stock settings and starting over with little adjustments will do wonders . With my #6's setting them up was easy like the #3-#3's with the exception that I found for me they like a little less than the 1/3 stroke sag suggested. Good Luck to all.